About this course
On this UK master’s degree in statistics, you’ll study statistical theory and methods and how to apply them. MSc Statistics will prepare you for a career in the statistical field as a qualified statistician.
Ranked in the Top 40 in the world and 7th in the UK for Statistics and Operational Research (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2021).
On this UK master’s degree in statistics, you’ll learn statistical theory and methods and how to apply them. You’ll explore practical problems typically found when collecting and analysing scientific data and improve your communication skills.
These practices will prepare you for a future career as a statistician. Our graduates go on to work in many industries such as, banking, insurance, pharmaceutical and in government bodies.
On MSc Statistics you’ll study core modules and choose what topics you want to study in depth, we offer modules in statistical theory and real world application of statistics. Optional module topics include:
- machine learning
- flexible regression
- statistical genetics
- clinical trials
- introduction to Python
As part of your study you will use statistical software, time management and basic research skills as well as boost your analytical skills.
This master’s degree in statistics will help you take that next step in developing a career or continue onto PhD study. There is a wide choice of career opportunities for qualified statisticians, for example in banking/insurance, in the pharmaceutical industry, or in government bodies.
Course lead
This course is led by Professor Wei Liu. Their research interests include simultaneous inference, multiple testing and sequential methods. Find out more by visiting Professor Wei Liu’s staff profile.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in a subject with mathematical and statistic units from a recognised university.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
On the full-time course your studies will last 12 months, from September to the following September.
You’ll study taught modules for the first two semesters and complete your dissertation project in semester three.
As part of this course, you’ll choose what optional modules you want to study. Topics range from theoretical aspects of statistics to practical application. You’ll also learn research skills and attend presentations of transferrable skills and employability.
On MSc Statistics, you’ll have the opportunity to attend seminars by statisticians from different organisations.
Your dissertation project is an opportunity to study a topic of your choice. There is a range of statistical topics available to base your project on, representing a member of our academic staff who will supervise your project.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2022-23
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
When planning experiments, it is essential that the data collected are as relevant and informative as possible. The statistical principles for the design of experiments include the choice of optimal or good treatments sets and appropriate replication of t...
This module aims to introduce students to a wide range of statistical models grouped by the unifying theory of Generalized Linear Models: Linear, Logistic, Multinomial, Cumulative Ordinal and Poisson regression, as well as Log-linear models are presented,...
This module develops methods for conducting inference about parametric statistical models. The techniques studied are general and applicable to a wide range of statistical models, including simple models for identically distributed responses and regressio...
This module consists of lecturers and associated practical sessions. The first part will focus on basic statistical programming in R. The second part will provide an introduction to some modern computational statistical methods and their implementation in...
This module focuses on statistical and demographic consulting.
The Statistics Project gives MSc students to conduct an in-depth study, either of a particular advanced statistical methodology, or of the application of one or more methods to real applied problems. The aim is to develop skills of organising work, identi...
This module introduces some of the fundamental ideas and issues of lifetime and time-to-event data analysis, as used in actuarial practice, biomedical research and demography Co-Requisite: MATH6122
You must also choose from the following modules:
This module provides an introduction to the statistical challenges arising in planning and conducting clinical trials. The main topics will cover: Clinical Trials of Parallel or cross-over design; Randomization, Treatment Comparison and Confidence Interv...
This module introduces students to the main concepts involved in epidemiological analyses. The main epidemiological study designs are introduced and two lectures focus on methods used to analyse case-control studies whilst another two focus on cohort stu...
This module will introduce and develop flexible statistical modelling methods that allow for general and complex forms of data to be modelled, extending ideas already encountered in earlier modules on linear and/or generalised linear modelling. The two ma...
The module will introduce students to time series models and associated forecasting methods.
This module aims to teach students the fundamentals of writing structured computer programs, applicable using any high level programming language. However, students will be shown the special features of Python that makes this language especially useful fo...
The purpose of the module will be to introduce students to the fundamentals of machine learning, i.e. computational methods for statistical learning, prediction and decision-making using data. The basic principles of predictive modelling will be outlined,...
Statistical genetics has played a pivotal role in the discovery of genes that cause disease in humans. This module introduces the basic concepts and terms in genetics and demonstrates the use of statistical models to identify disease genes in humans.
Learning and assessment
Learning
You'll learn through lectures, seminars, computer workshops, case studies, group work, project work and independent study.
You’ll use specialist computer packages in several modules. Specialist packages include SAS and R, which are the main systems that an applied statistician would be expected to use.
On this MSc you’ll be taught a variety of techniques, methods and approaches of statistics and how to apply them to practical problems.
Assessment
We’ll assess you through:
- examinations
- coursework
- presentations
- assignments
- dissertation
Dissertation
As part of your course, you’ll need to complete a Statistics Project.
This is an in-depth study of a particular advanced statistical methodology or of the application of one or more methods to real applied problems.
Academic Support
We’ll assign you a personal tutor, and you’ll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
Statistics is key in decision-making in areas of uncertainty, and statisticians champion quantitative reasoning to help organisations make important advances in science and in business and public policy.
Statisticians can work in many industries, some popular fields are:
- • medical
- • pharmaceutical
- • government
- • financial
- • insurance
- • market research
- • environmental
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £21,000.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Make sure we receive your application at least 4 weeks before the start of the course. This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available.
International students
Make sure we receive your application at least 6 weeks before the start of the course.
This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available. It will also give you time to apply for a visa if we offer you a place.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
You may also be asked to provide:
- a degree transcript
- a reference
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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